Page 10 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Winter 2021-2022

THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL Recharge Your Spirit in Nature’s Splendour
BY ROBIN TIERNEY
There is an easy-to-reach paradise on southwest Florida’s Gulf coast that will refresh your spirit.
Head to The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Storybook white-sand beaches, lush tropical wilderness, spectacular
wildlife, and plenty of islands will undoubt- edly exhilarate and recharge your batteries. Here are three ways to feel the wonder of
connecting with nature’s magic kingdom.
PADDLE THE GREAT CALUSA
BLUEWAY
The Great Calusa Blueway is a spectacular
of serenity-now settings. Picture mangrove
love as you paddle, hike, or simply relax on canoe and kayak trail that traverses 305 kilome-
forests, submerged seagrass beds, cordgrass
the four-kilometre sandy beach.
tres through the coastal waters between Pine
marshes, and hardwood hammocks.
For a thrilling nature show, head to a local Island Sound and Estero Bay, up the Caloosa-
Watch unscripted nature shows unfold.
favourite locale tucked in the northern inte- hatchee River and through its tributaries. As
The aptly named bird called roseate spoon-
rior of the park. While hiking or biking on you paddle this Fort Myers-area treasure, feel
bill sweeps its spoonbill in shallow water,
Black Island Trail, watch for zebra longwings, the stress flow away with every stroke. See
as reddish egrets dance vaudeville-style
swallowtails, and monarchs flitting at the ospreys soar overhead and manatees glide
stirring up fish. Meanwhile long-necked
butterfly garden. Spot sly egrets fishing and underwater, filling your soul with gratitude.
anhingas perch on tree limbs sunning their
dolphins surfing in turquoise waters ... and Guided by markers and a free app, it’s
black wings that are marked with white
muscle-bound alligators lounging in a fresh- easy to explore these sheltered mangrove
feathers resembling piano keys.
water pond.
trails that lead to tiny creeks and the Gulf of
By night, Sanibel’s minimal lighting
Rest assured—these treasured islands Mexico.
morphs into another spectacular nature
will reboot your spirit. DS
show: stargazing.
REFRESH YOUR SPIRIT AT J.N.
TRAVEL PLANNER Discover the nature and beauty of “DING” DARLING NATIONAL
EMBRACE LIFE AT LOVERS
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel WILDLIFE REFUGE
KEY STATE PARK
fortmyers-sanibel.com.
A 4.8-kilometre causeway leads to the tran-
A popular legend ascribes how this wild
quility of Sanibel Island. Nearly 70 percent
sanctuary was a haven for lovers. Located
PHOTO: One of the most popular activities in The
of this barrier island is preserved as a refuge where you can bask in solitude far from the commotion of urban life.
Home to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, you can hike, pedal, and paddle marked marsh trails through an array
between Fort Myers and Naples, Lovers Key State Park stretches across four barrier islands: Lovers Key, Black Island, Inner Key and Long Key. The nature reserve is big on preservation of beaches and mangrove forests. You can channel Mother Nature’s
Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel is beachcombing. Make sure you visit Sanibel Island, considered the best shelling spot in North America. Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
10 DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2021/2022